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← Return to PMR's effect on my hands
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First, thank you all for sharing your comments. I'm a 69 year-old male and I developed PMR about a year or two ago. It went undiagnosed for a long time, and I just fought through it. But it became too much. Saw my long-term MD and she was skeptical (she's a great doc), but after a trip to the rheumatologist I'm on 20 MG prednisone daily. Works great ...
But ... my hands are still achy. A stiff handshake is not a pleasant thing. I still have full mobility in my hands (I work out regularly, play piano and guitar, and those activities are fine). But the achiness/pain is significant. I've often described my hand pain as feeling as if I spent the entire day using tree/plant clippers - that kind of ache, sometimes turning to pain.
Any suggestions out there? Do those "hot gloves" work at all? Epsom salt soaks? Anything? All my other symptoms are entirely gone - thankfully. I've only been on prednisone about six weeks, but it seemed to work instantly, except for my hands.
Best to you all!
Replies to "First, thank you all for sharing your comments. I'm a 69 year-old male and I developed..."
@mjdcl57
My hands felt like the palm tendons are made of double edged knives when I grasped or extended my hands. Feet too. At one period, for about two weeks, my middle finger palm tendon stuck out about a half inch when I extended my fingers (open.) Then came joint pain on my hands, palms and fingers. It has lasted for about a month now.
I’ve been on Prednisine for 6 months and Kevzara for almost 5.
I’ve found that if I do a 10 minute refrigerator cold water bath in the evening after using my hands extensively that day, that they feel better the next day.
Good luck if you try it.
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@mjdcl57
My hands have been significantly impacted by PMR. Started out at 20mg as well. Now down to 5mg and tapering. Have tried several things for my hands, including physical therapy, which has helped. I've actually had very good results with acupuncture. After sessions, my hands have full motion and strong grip with no pain. Unfortunately, it has so far reverted after a couple days. But I'm hopeful it will have more long term effects as I continue sessions.